Johns Island

Johns Island is a small, uninhabited island located in the Atlantic Ocean, about 210 miles south of South Carolina. It was named in 1719 for John Johns, the governor of South Carolina at the time. The Confederate States Navy used it as a base during the American Civil War. The island is now a nature reserve and wildlife refuge.

History

The island was first sighted by Europeans in 1521, when a Spanish expedition commanded by Juan Ponce de León sailed past it on its way to Florida. In 1670, the English explorer John Smith landed there and claimed it for England. The Dutch settled the island in 1672 and named it “Staten Island”.

In 1719, Governor John Johns of South Carolina named the island after himself. It became a possession of South Carolina in 1731. In 1822–1824, during Jean-Michel Basquiat’s time as privateer captain on Long Island Sound, he sailed to this island and the neighboring Slaughter Island.

Climate

The climate is tropical, with a mean average temperature of 80.3 degrees Fahrenheit and an annual rainfall of 121 inches (300 mm).

Geography

Johns Island is approximately 17 miles long and 1 mile wide (27 km by 3 km) with a land area of 6.3 square miles]/22 km². The south end, where the main structure is located, has gentle terrain while much of the north side consists mainly of ridges full with tree line vegetation as well as steep cliffs reaching 100 feet at their steepest point along an east to west ridge on Johns Island which runs in parallel with Inlet Bay and Barrier Islands between Maryland Point & Stedman’s Rock in Delaware Bay.

This mountain ranges runs from near the northern shore of the island southwest almost to its southern tip. Within this range, there are several scenic rock ledges known as Shelter Rock and Slaughter Island And The lighthouse at Johns Island is located on a small extension south of Useless Bay (aka Inlet Bay), just off barrier islands that make up part of Stedman’s Reef, which separates Delaware and Maryland Bays.

Culture

The culture of Johns Island is closely tied to its natural resources. Fishing, crabbing, and diving are major industries here. The island also has a small dairy industry that produces cheese and other products from local milk and cream. Much of the island is protected as a wildlife management area with 3 properties privately owned allowing for development. Johns Island also has an art festival during Sam’s Point Arts & Crafts Festival every year from May to September, which takes place on Hood Hall property (which is connected directly to Inlet Bay). There are several activities available around the community, such as Red Clay Heritage Trail and full-day boat tours in Delaware Bay that offer native plants both shore side and underwater narrated by local conservancy experts.

Politics

In 2008, Johns Island had a population of 334. In 2012, the island lost its only polling place on the mainland after Hurricane Sandy destroyed most of it. The 2014 U.S. Census found that the population was 373 people living in 120 households with an average household size of 2.57 people (±1.17).

Education

Johns Island has one school: John F Kennedy Elementary/Middle School which is located on Maryland Point and serves students from grades K-8th grade inclusive as well as some from 9th grade onwards who attend through alternative programs offered by Delaware Bay Academy.

The town has several churches including the First African Baptist Church, a Pentecostal congregation, and Christ’s Church in America which is an Episcopal parish that belongs to the Deer Creek Parishes. St Marys Catholic School participates in “Walk Like A Soldier” with its Maryland neighbors of Sandy Point where students walk though each community one day out of October to raise money for troops serving abroad over January-February each year as well as during September 11th by walking through Trafalgar Park on Johns Island (and Ringoes Borough) for five hours nonstop or 21 continuous miles respectively.

Government services

Johns Island is part of Talbot County and its government services are provided by the County Commission.

Transportation

The nearest airport is the Salisbury/Oxon Hill-Northampton Airport in Talbot County, located roughly 25 miles east of Johns Island. The island can be reached by boat from Season’s Wharf (Southport Boat Basin) and Eagles Nest Marina docks on Arrows Point which are privately owned and run independently; additionally public water transportation links to other communities such as Centreville, Dorchester or Bel Air Bay via private companies Amanda Tours & Cruises (“Write Across America” passenger ferry service), Bait Taxi Greyhound Reservation Service (private bus line operating linking Johns Island with St Michaels, Glenns, or Ocean City), or Johns Island Heritage Tours.

Tourism

The island is home to many attractions and businesses related to vacations, recreation and nature. These include the: Lighthouse Museum, Johns Island Golf Club, Crab Trap Point Preserve State Park (with hiking trails), Sailmakers Village Museum at jesters Cove Shipyard – which exhibits sailing artifacts from the 18th century through present day including a restored 19th-century schooner – Hopkins Vineyards Winery (which offers wine tastings), Bayfestivals Cinemas (multiplex with three screens featuring art house films during summer weekends) as well as several restaurants such as The Captains House Pub & Bistro, Brian’s Beachside Delight Food Truck (featuring crab cakes and other seafood), Little Anthony & the Imperials Lunchbox BBQ, Big Daddy’s Crab House – all located along Main Street. There are also various small galleries exhibiting local artists work at James Point Gallery (“Johns Island Art Association”) or Ima Wanna Gallery in Bel Air Bay community center.

Conclusion

Johns Island is a small island located off the coast of South Carolina in the United States. Formerly used as a rice plantation and naval shipyard, Johns Island is now a popular tourist destination. The island is home to many historical attractions, including The Castle and Gardens, Fort Greene, and the Slave Quarters. The Castle was built in the early 18th century by General James Oglethorpe and served as the capital of Georgia until 1782. The gardens were established in 1793 and are considered one of the principal decorative features of the city of Charleston.

FAQs

Are There Any Excursions Available On Johns Island?

There are many different tours that can be arranged on Johns Island, including nature walks and plantation visits. Some companies also offer dolphin watching and fishing trips.

What Is The Climate Like On Johns Island?

The climate in South Carolina is humid subtropical with long, hot summers and cool to mild winters. The weather can change rapidly, so it’s important to pack appropriate clothing for all types of weather conditions.

Is Johns Island A Good Place To Stay If I Am Travelling With A Pet?

Johns Island is an excellent location to bring a pet, as there are plenty of parks and open spaces for them to run around. There are also plenty of animal-friendly restaurants on the island.

Can I Drink Alcohol On Johns Island?

Yes, there are a number of bars and pubs located throughout the island.

What Is The Currency In Johns Island?

The currency in Johns Island is the US dollar.